Best Camera for Event Photography 2023: 12 Top Picks
- By Sebastiaan van 't Hoog
- Updated 8 december 2023
There is often a lot going on at an event at the same time and in those situations, it is difficult to keep up with the action. Even if you are fast enough, the wrong camera can actually work against you.
With years of experience as a professional photographer, I have owned a lot of cameras, so I know exactly what to look for if you want to buy a camera for events.
In this article, I will tell you exactly what the best camera for event photography is, and not only that, I will also give you the best price. This way you can photograph events as quickly as possible without any worries.
Best event cameras listed
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. You can support me without any additional fees. I used some of the products mentioned, not all.
What is the best camera for event photography?
I have to be honest, when I first started photography I had no idea what kind of camera to buy. I didn’t know what the requirements were, but after photographing a large number of events I now know.
My goal is for you to buy the best event camera, which doesn’t mean the most expensive or newest camera. I don’t want you to have a camera that falls short in certain areas or has unnecessary functions.
During the selection, I looked at resolution and sensor, but aspects such as burst mode and autofocus also caught my attention. I didn’t pick just any camera, here is a list of things I look for.
Of course, you can’t get very far with just a camera, we all know that. That’s why I recommend a few lenses for each camera so that you can find everything here.
Let’s get straight to the first camera!
Best camera for event photography
Canon R6 II
Sebas' take
A camera that can handle the chaoticness of events, that’s the Canon R6 II. It has amazing features, but overall, provides a great overall experience.
It has the best autofocus, with tracking. Also, the 40fps burst can be handy, but there are some downsides to it.
Let me explain in detail below, but all in all, the Canon R6 II is the best camera for event photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R6 Mark II!
Outstanding features
- 24 MP sensor
- Deeplearning tracking
- 40 fps burst mode
- 4K60p video
- In-body stabilization
- Double storage slots
What I like/dislike about the Canon R6 II
Like
- The autofocus of the R6 II is great, it tracks faces like nothing else. Even if someone turns around, it keeps tracking them.
- Grip feels comfortable in my hand, even though I have quite big hands. I never felt like it would fell out of my hand.
- I’ve heard many people complain about the battery life, but in my experience its not bad. I could take 1500 shots with one battery, which didn’t even run out of juice.
- Ergonomically, the R6 II is almost perfect. The buttons and dials are in the right place, the joystick and AF-ON button are also right where my thumb is, making a change to the settings easy.
Dislike
- There are some downsides, let me explain them. First, if you use the electronic shutter, you take 12-bit images, and not 14-bit. The dynamic range is a bit lower, which is noticeable in the noise levels of the shadows.
- Also, the camera has a pre-burst mode, which is handy. I had to wait at least 5 seconds after using it, while it was writing to the SD-card. The camera was completely blocked at that time.
- The autofocus sometimes has a hard time choosing between different people. I’ve had a lot of instances where the wrong eye was chosen. It’s easily fixed if you use the joystick, fortunately.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon R6 II Review & Tests
Best camera for event photography and video
Nikon Z8
Sebas' take
Next up, I would like to recommend the Nikon Z8. It’s an incredibly popular camera, just like the R6 II. It can take 46 MP photos, which is plenty enough for events. The video side is even more impressive, with 8K60p recording it stands out.
It’s a big camera, an aspect that I like about the Z8. It feels comfortable to hold and is well balanced on with large lenses or on a gimbal.
All in all, the Nikon Z8 is the best camera for event photography and video.
Holidays: Get $300 off your Nikon Z8!
Outstanding features
- 46MP full-frame stacked sensor
- 8K60p & 4K120p RAW video
- 30fps burst mode
- Deep learning autofocus
- Robust design
- Optimal hybrid
What I like/dislike about the Nikon Z8
Like
- With many points to cover, I would like to start with the image quality. I mentioned that the Z8 has a 46 MP sensor, which is the same as the Z9. Photos are teck-sharp and the colors are beautiful, even straight out of the camera.
- It does have a stacked sensor, which means the read-out is extremely fast. About the fastest you can get on a rolling shutter, so it’s perfect for video work and more action-oriented photography. People won’t have distorted faces or anything like that.
- Next, you can shoot about 30 frames a second (in JPEG) or 20 frames a second (in RAW), which is more than enough for any type of event. I think 10fps is already enough, let alone the 30fps mode on the Z8.
- Let me address the video quality quickly, it’s 8K60p RAW, which is something unseen in any mirrorless camera on the market. I think you and I can understand that the quality is amazing, because of the 4K oversampled footage.
Dislike
- There is one downside, which some people may overlook. When you film videos in 8K, the CF-express card can quickly indicate that it is hot and the camera may overheat. That means that the Z8 will have to cool down before you can use it again.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Nikon Z 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Nikon Z 28-75mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Nikon Z 24-50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best budget camera for event photography
Canon R8
Sebas' take
Canon’s R8 is a completely different camera, some may recognize the design of the EOS RP. It has roughly the same internals as the R6 II, and these cameras share most of the specifications.
There’s a reason I put the R6 II above the R8, it’s the ergonomics. When shooting events you want every button to be perfectly accessible, and the R6 II is a bit better at that.
Nonetheless, the R8 is the best budget camera for event photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Canon R8!
Outstanding features
- 24 MP full-frame sensor
- 4K60p oversampled
- FHD180fps slow motion
- Deep learning autofocus
- Lightest Canon RF
- Small & compact
What I like/dislike about the Canon R8
Like
- So if you read the pros and cons of the R6 II, the R8 has roughly the same. There are a few key differences that might be a dealbreaker for you. Let’s start with the sensor because that one is almost identical. The R8 does not have IBIS, something that I find useful, but it’s not mandatory.
- Next up, the EOS R8 is a lot smaller and lighter, in fact, it’s the smallest full-frame Canon body. I think that has both its cons and pros, as a smaller camera is better for most situations.
- Ergonomically, it’s great. I think Canon could have done a better job at placing the AF-on button somewhere else, it’s in an awkward position. Besides that, the other buttons are well-placed.
- Just like the R6 II, you can shoot 4K60p video without a crop. That’s quite unique for the best budget camera for events. It’s even oversampled, so you see less noise and more details.
Dislike
- It’s not exactly the same as the R6 II, so here are a few key differences that I don’t like about the R8. First, you have a burst mode of either 6fps or 40fps. Nothing in between, unlike the R6 II.
- Secondly, the R8 overheats a lot quicker, as it is a much smaller body. The heat cannot escape the camera as efficiently, thus you will notice overheating when shooting 4K video.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R8 Review, Tests & Comparisons
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Best Sony camera for event photography
Sony A7 IV
Sebas' take
I’ve recommended Canon and Nikon cameras but now it’s time for Sony, the Sony A7 IV specifically. It is a different camera than the ones above, but I think they all have strengths and weaknesses.
With the 33 MP sensor, it stands out. Most cameras have 24 MP sensors, so the A7 IV is already a great competitor. It feels like a professional camera, a bit bigger than the A7 III, its predecessor.
All in all, the A7 IV is the best Sony camera for event photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Sony A7 IV!
Outstanding features
- 33 MP full-frame sensor
- 4K60p (S35)
- 4K30p oversampled
- 10fps burst mode
- Built-in stabilization
- Deep learning autofocus
What I like/dislike about the Sony A7 IV
Like
- Starting with the autofocus, which is one of the most important aspects of events. It’s one of the best I’ve seen, it tracks people’s eyes without any problem and sticks like glue. Even in dark places, it seems to track perfectly.
- Image quality-wise, the A7 IV is also great. The dynamic range is about 14 stops when shooting lossless RAW, which is plenty enough to get details from. I am comfortable using ISO 10.000, which is good for most situations.
- The extra dial on top makes shooting and changing settings a lot easier and more accessible. You can assign it to lots of settings, but I prefer ISO, shutter, or aperture. I feel a lot more comfortable in hectic situations.
- Battery life hasn’t been a problem at all, I’ve been shooting for a day and the battery didn’t run out. Of course, this differs between people and the preferred way of shooting.
Dislike
- One major drawback is the rolling shutter when shooting with the electronic shutter. You can notice if there are lots of people walking or running. It’s also apparent while shooting video.
- Also, you can shoot 10fps only with compressed lossy RAW, and you can notice the difference between that and lossless RAW. When shooting lossless, I manage to shoot at 6fps max.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Sony FE 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 28-70mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best camera for event videography
Panasonic S5 II
Sebas' take
So a camera that is good at both photo and video but is more targeted at videographers is the Panasonic S5 II. I feel like Panasonic is getting more and more popular and the S5 II has contributed to that.
With a 24 MP sensor, you can shoot 6K30p video, which is quite impressive considering its price point. It’s not too expensive, for a little more than the R8, you can grab one of these.
All in all, the Panasonic S5 II is the best camera for event videography.
Holidays: Get $300 off your Panasonic S5 II!
Outstanding features
- 24 MP full-frame sensor
- 6K30p/4K60p video
- Deep learning autofocus
- Ultimate hybrid
- 30fps burst mode
- Large buffer
What I like/dislike about the Lumix S5 iI
Like
- I will start with the photo aspects and finish with some video qualities. First, the image quality is great. You can push the ISO due to the resolution, which isn’t high at all. If you’re shooting photos or videos of concerts, the S5 II will perform well.
- Also, you can shoot up to 9fps with the mechanical shutter, which is fast enough for my preference. You won’t notice any rolling shutter that way, but if you want a faster mode, the 30fps electronic shutter works great too.
- It feels tough and professional, with the grip not being too small. It felt like a robust camera and the buttons are where you want them to be. The record button is big and red, positioned on top of the camera allowing for easy access.
- Talking about recording, you can shoot up to 6K30p video. I think that is the most impressive about the S5 II, as this is the best video camera for events. The files are huge, of course, but you can edit them however you like.
Dislike
- I have one drawback, which is the rolling shutter. If you’re shooting 6K30p, the rolling shutter is 25ms, which is a lot slower than the 14ms rolling shutter of the EOS R8, a similarly priced camera. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but something to be aware of.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Panasonic cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Panasonic S 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Panasonic S 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Panasonic S 20-60mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best beginner camera for event photography
Canon R50
Sebas' take
All of the cameras that I’ve mentioned, except for the R8, are made for more advanced users. As an ultimate beginner, the Canon R50 would be a much better choice. It is solely made for novice photographers.
With the user interface that explains settings and an AI auto mode, you don’t need much knowledge to start taking photographs. The image quality is also good, most importantly.
All in all, the Canon R50 is the best beginner camera for event photography.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R50!
Outstanding features
- 24 MP sensor
- Smallest RF camera
- lightweight
- 15fps burst mode
- Deep learning autofocus
- 4K30p oversampled video
What I like/dislike about the Canon R50
Like
- As I already mentioned, the R50 is made for beginners. It has a beginner-oriented user interface that shows you how certain settings can change the outcome of the photo. It’s extremely handy, I wish my first camera had this option.
- Image-quality-wise, the R50 is not bad, I mean, it’s an APS-C sensor so taking photos in dark conditions might not be the right choice. If you just avoid that and shoot with daylight, the colors are vivid and the photos are crisp.
- The burst mode is an important aspect of event photography, as I have experienced. Canon’s R50 can shoot 15 frames a second, which is one of the fastest for its price range. It’s not an expensive camera, the Z50 for example, can shoot up to 11fps.
- Last but not least, the autofocus is most impressive about the R50, because it has the same autofocus mechanism as the R8 and R6 II. It recognizes the eyes of people without problems and tracks them flawlessly.
Dislike
- One major drawback is the buffer size of the R50, it’s not big. You can shoot for about 2 seconds before the buffer starts to fill and in my opinion, that’s not enough for my liking. Unless you’re sure you will capture the right moment, the R50 might not be the best choice.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Want to know more? Read the review! – Canon EOS R50 Review, Tests & Comparisons
Today's best deal
Best entry-level camera for events
Sony A6700
Sebas' take
If you’re somewhat used to mirrorless cameras, the Sony A6700 might be the best next camera to buy. It is not exactly made for beginners, but more for entry-level/amateur photographers.
With a 26 MP sensor, allowing for 4K120p video recording, and the best autofocus on the market, the A6700 is hard to beat. According to many people, the A6700 is much better than the A6600.
All in all, the A6700 is the best entry-level camera for event photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Sony A6700!
Outstanding features
- 26 MP sensor (FX30)
- 4K120p slow motion
- 4K oversampled video
- 11fps burst mode
- Fastest deep learning AF
- Compact & lightweight
What I like/dislike about the Sony A6700
Like
- I think there are loads of great things to mention about the A6700. It is small and easy to carry. It practically fits into any camera back and for its size, the image quality is great.
- Images look crispy and vivid, and for the sensor size, the noise is very minimal. We can’t compare it to any full-frame camera, but these sensors are getting better and better.
- it’s also a great video camera with the 4K120p video option. At this price range, I think it’s the only camera with features like this. It is practically a Sony FX30, but more photography-oriented.
- Autofocus is a stand-out feature of the A6700, it has a separate AI processing unit, so it can determine the posture of someone and focus on the face. Quite impressive if you ask me, especially the way it performs in dark conditions.
Dislike
- One downside is the fact that the camera is so small, that my hands cannot hold the grip comfortably. I prefer a larger camera, as my hands are quite big. Besides that, the A6700 is a near perfect camera for events.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Sony FE 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 28-70mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Best beginner camera for event photography Nikon
Nikon Z50
Sebas' take
If the A6700 is a bit too complicated or expensive for you, the Nikon Z50 might be the right camera for events. It has many similarities to the R50, as the price is also practically the same.
With a 21 MP sensor, the resolution is lower, but that doesn’t bother me. Autofocus is fast and the burst mode is quite impressive. I would like to say that the Z50 is the best beginner camera for events from Nikon.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Nikon Z50!
Outstanding features
- 21 MP sensor
- 4K30p video
- 11fps burst mode
- Large buffer
- Reliable autofocus
- Lightweight & compact
What I like/dislike about the Nikon Z50
Like
- So the resolution is lower than the R50, but I think that shouldn’t be a reason to ditch this camera. It’s still great and the images look sharp and the colors are natural. You can push the shadows and highlights pretty far, from what I’ve seen.
- The burst is impressive, it shoots 11 frames a second, which is indeed lower than the R50, but it can shoot 11fps with the mechanical shutter. That means you don’t have a rolling shutter, which is of much importance with event photography.
- It is also small and lightweight, about the same size as the R50. They are almost the same camera, with some great differences as I just explained. You can hold it for hours without getting tired, provided you have slept well.
Dislike
- One drawback of the Z50 is the autofocus. It’s great overall, but comparing it to the R50, it is inferior. It tracks faces, but not much more than that. I think the Canon autofocus is more reliable.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Nikon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Nikon Z 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Nikon Z 28-75mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Nikon Z 24-50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best Sony camera for party photography
Sony A1
Sebas' take
While I think the A7 IV is great for event photography, the Sony A1 is a much more capable camera. With the stacked sensor, you don’t experience any rolling shutter, even while using the electronic shutter.
It has a 50 MP sensor which can shoot at incredible speeds. I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you can afford the A1, it might be the best camera for event photography.
All in all, I think the Sony A1 is the best Sony camera for event photography.
Outstanding features
- 50 MP full-frame stacked sensor
- 8K30p video
- Very fast sensor readout
- 30fps burst mode (RAW)
- Large buffer
- Deep learning autofocus
What I like/dislike about the Sony A1
Like
- With a camera of this caliber, I can talk for hours about the benefits. I think I should keep it simple and not dive into the specifics. Starting with the sensor, which is a stacked 50 MP sensor. Yes, you read that right. It’s the highest-resolution stacked sensor on a full-frame camera, although the Z8 comes close.
- Images come out clean and crispy and the noise level is quite low, compared to the resolution. I thought the A1 would show a lot of noise, but it’s perfect for dark conditions.
- If you thought the 50 MP sensor was impressive, hold your breath. You can shoot 50 MP photos for up to 30 times a second, without a rolling shutter. Truly a beast of a camera.
- The autofocus is one of the fastest and most accurate of any Sony camera, as it recognizes many subjects. It does extremely well-tracking faces, it locks on and doesn’t let go.
Dislike
- One drawback you may have seen coming is the price. It’s the most expensive camera on the list, with a staggering $6000 price tag. For that price, you might be better off taking a Nikon Z8, as that is a much cheaper option and has most of the features (if not more).
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Sony cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Sony FE 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Sony FE 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Sony FE 28-70mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Today's best deal
Best Canon camera for event photography
Canon R5
Sebas' take
You almost thought I would leave this one out, right? I wouldn’t dare, the Canon R5 is the best Canon camera for event photography. It has a 45 MP sensor, much like the Z8 and A1. One major difference is the sensor type.
It also shoots 8K RAW video, as if the other specs weren’t impressive enough. The buffer isn’t bad either, just read about it and keep the R5 in mind as the best Canon camera for events.
Holidays: Get $900 off your Canon R5!
Outstanding features
- 45 MP full-frame sensor
- 8K30p RAW video
- 20fps burst mode (RAW)
- Deep learning autofocus
- Built-in stabilization
What I like/dislike about the Canon R5
Like
- You might be wondering why I didn’t choose the Canon R3, as that is also one of the best Canon cameras. I think the 45 MP resolution is a better deal than the 24 MP stacked sensor. It captures much more detail and can shoot higher resolution video.
- The autofocus is also almost the same of the other Canon cameras. It doesn’t have the most subjects to track, but eyes and cars are enough for me. I don’t think you would have any problem whatsoever with the autofocus of the R5, compared to an EOS R3.
- A big difference between the R3 is the burst mode, with a non-stacked sensor, you would see rolling shutter. The R5 can shoot 12fps with the mechanical shutter, I think that’s fast enough for events. You won’t see a rolling shutter that way.
Dislike
- One downside is the video recording, as the R5 can shoot 8K RAW videos. It sounds airy fairy, but in reality, the 8K video is barely usable as the R5 overheats too quickly. Even at 4K60p, you would have to be careful.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
Best hybrid camera for event photography
Fujifilm XS20
Sebas' take
I don’t think Fujifilm was that big of a brand in the event photography industry, as they never made cameras that were that good for it. Now, they released the Fujifilm XS20, a very capable camera.
A 26 Mp sensor looks a lot like the A6700, but this one is a bit different. The XS20 can record 6.2K video, which is impressive for a camera like this. They even thought about overheating, with a separate cooling fan.
All in all, the XS20 is the best hybrid camera for event photography.
Holidays: Get $200 off your Fujifilm X-S20!
Outstanding features
- 26 MP sensor
- 6.2K30p video
- FHD240p slow motion
- Deep learning autofocus
- 30fps burst mode
- Built-in stabilization
What I like/dislike about the Fujifilm X-S20
Like
- Just like the A6700, you can take 26 MP photos which is just a tad more than the other cameras. It captures great-quality images and with the film simulations, you can get great results straight out of the camera.
- The 6.2K video recording is impressive, especially since the XS20 is an affordable camera for event photography. You can also shoot 4K60p and they even thought about overheating. Overheating doesn’t seem like a big problem on the XS20, but a cooling fan is handy!
- A 30fps burst mode is great, but you have a 1.25x crop. A no-cropped burst speed stops at 20fps, which is still fast enough for events, according to me.
- Autofocus-wise, the XS20 seems to be much better than the older cameras from Fuji. It has Ai AI-implemented technology and is accurate. It’s not as fast as Canon’s or Sony’s autofocus, but it works fine for events.
Dislike
- While it is an affordable camera, that comes with its own cost. It’s an APS-C-sized sensor, so the noise levels won’t be too good if you’re shooting concerts or any place where the lighting isn’t optimal.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best lenses, especially for events. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for events is the Fujifilm XF 50-140mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less generous, the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Fujifilm XF 35mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
View all Fujifilm XF lenses on B&H Photo, Amazon, or Adorama.
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Best APS-C event photography camera
Canon R7
Sebas' take
Last but not least, I would like to recommend the Canon R7. It might look like an EOS R8, but it is different and it has some more advanced specs. It’s an APS-C sensor, so you’re cropped 1.6x over an R8, for example.
With a 33 MP sensor, you have about 50% more pixels than any competition, which is quite unique for a camera with such a sensor. The other features are also useful, to say the least.
All in all, the R7 is the best APS-C camera for event photography.
Holidays: Get $100 off your Canon R7!
Outstanding features
- 33 MP sensor
- 4K60p video (No crop)
- 30fps burst mode (RAW)
- Built-in stabilization
- Deep learning autofocus
- Robust design
What I like/dislike about the Canon R7
Like
- Just to start with one of the great points, the image quality is superior to the other competitors, like the A6700. The colors look great like we’re used to, but you have so many details and pixels. It is a world of difference to a lower-resolution body.
- Autofocus is fast, in fact, one of the fastest and most accurate on the market. It features the same autofocus as the R3, a much more expensive camera. I don’t think you would have any trouble with it, as long as it’s set up correctly.
- And, on top of all the other features, you can shoot 30fps RAW images. That is faster than the Z8, believe it or not. It doesn’t have a stacked sensor, but when shooting with the mechanical shutter (15fps), you won’t notice any rolling shutter.
- It’s a much larger body than the A6700, I didn’t like the size of that one. It feels like a professional camera, much more like an R5 for example. My hand can hold the grip comfortably and the buttons are well-placed.
Dislike
- Due to the fact that it is a 33 MP APS-C-sized sensor, the noise levels would be noticeable when you’re shooting at higher ISOs. If you’re shooting a lot in dark environments, you should take this into account.
The best lenses for event photography
I made a selection of the best event photography lenses, especially for Canon cameras. With these lenses, you are guaranteed to take the most beautiful photos.
The very best lens for event photography is the Canon RF 24-70mm, the quality of which is phenomenal. If your budget is a little less than that, the Canon RF 24-105mm is also fantastic. This lens is a little less expensive, but that doesn’t make it any less capable. Finally, the Canon RF 50mm is also fantastic, this is the cheapest lens on the list.
What to look for in a camera for event photography?
Speed & burst mode
If you have ever photographed an event, you know that many things are happening at the same time. You have to be able to switch quickly and you have to capture every moment.
As a result, you need a burst mode that can keep up with the action, so a burst mode of 5-10 fps is usually fast enough.
In addition, the buffer should not be too small, you do not want the camera to stop taking pictures halfway through an important moment.
In short, a burst mode of 5-10 fps and a buffer of at least 75-100 photos is perfect for event photography.
Autofocus & tracking
We often photograph people at events, whether it’s a stage or a car rally, there is always movement. A camera that has extensive tracking options is actually a requirement at events.
Today, most mirrorless cameras have deeplearning autofocus that recognizes people, cars, and much more. A camera that can focus in dark conditions is also important, you don’t want to focus manually during concerts!
Stabilization
As event photographers, we often work with long lenses, such as 200mm+ focal lengths. Then it is useful if the lens has stabilization, but this is often not the case.
To still have stabilization in that situation, you can choose a camera that has IBIS. This will really help you get sharper photos with slower shutter speeds.
Flexibility in lenses
We just talked about lenses, but which lenses are perfect for event photography? That of course differs per situation.
When I photograph events, I often choose the 24-70mm. You can photograph a wide variety of situations with this.
If you’re shooting a concert or anything from a distance, a telephoto lens might be a better option.
Ergonomics & Portability
Events often last a long time, at least a few hours. So you also have to walk around with the entire equipment for a few hours and that can be quite a challenge. A light camera and lens are therefore essential.
With today’s system cameras, we are no longer bothered by heavy cameras. Compared to the past, they have become much lighter.
The ergonomics must also be optimal, you don’t want to search for settings and buttons when an important moment takes place. Larger professional cameras usually have many buttons that allow you to quickly adjust all settings. Ideal!
Connectivity & workflow
Speed is important, not only for the camera but you also have to be fast. If you can send some photos during an event, your customer will be a lot happier. This way you ensure the optimal experience.
A camera with built-in WiFi can help you edit and send some photos during an event. This way you record an event in a professional manner and there is a good chance that you will be hired again.
Best camera for event photography FAQ
What is the best mirrorless camera for event photography?
The best camera for event photography is the Nikon Z8. This camera is quite expensive, but when it comes to event photography and other action-based photography, the Nikon Z8 is the best. You can take 46 MP photos up to 30 times per second. Also, the video specs are the best on the list.
What is the best affordable camera for event photography?
The best affordable camera for event photography is the Canon R50. This camera is very good, has a professional focusing system, and can shoot up to 15 photos per second. All very important for event photography, you will take a lot nicer photos with the Canon R50.
What is the best beginner camera for event photography?
The best beginner camera for event photography is the Canon R50. This one hasn’t been out that long, but it has professional functions and is aimed at beginner event photographers. The user interface is easy to understand and there are a lot of affordable lenses available.
What is the best budget camera for event photography?
The best budget camera for event photography is the Canon R10. This camera costs just under $1000 dollars and has professional features. You have fast autofocus, with subject detection and you can shoot up to 23 photos per second. Everything you want as an event photographer to take the most beautiful photos.
What is the best point and shoot camera for event photography?
The best point-and-shoot camera for event photography is the Sony RX10 IV. This camera has a super zoom of 24-600mm, which means that you can get close to the action. The RX10 IV also has super-fast autofocus, which allows you to focus within 0.03 seconds. This really is the best point-and-shoot camera for event photography.
What is the best DSLR camera for event photography?
The best DSLR camera for event photography is the Nikon D850. The autofocus is very good, even though it has no object recognition. In addition, you can take 46 MP photos and shoot 7 photos per second. In any case, it will not be the specifications. The Nikon D850 is also affordable nowadays.
What is the best compact camera for event photography?
The best compact camera for event photography is the Sony RX10 IV. A camera that is very popular, and not without reason. You can shoot 24 photos per second and you have a zoom range of 24-600mm. Impressive specifications, especially for the affordable price. By far the best compact camera for event photography.
What is the best lens for event photography?
The best lens for event photography depends on your requirements. In general, you’ll want a lens that’s able to capture multiple scenarios. The lens I recommend is the 24-70mm lens. This has a wide-angle and telephoto range, which makes it perfect for event photography.
In conclusion
Now it’s your turn to make the choice. There are many event photography cameras that you can choose from. Now that you know the pros and cons of each camera, you can make the choice.
Don’t you want to take professional event photos? Then you can get started with an amateur camera. If you do want to shoot professionally, then professional event photography cameras are perfect for you.
Who is Sebastiaan?
Hi! I am Sebastiaan, the writer of this blog. With years of experience as a professional photographer, I want to share my expertise with you. From recommending cameras and lenses to giving tips that make a world of difference, that’s what I enjoy doing most.
There are tons of different cameras you can buy for under $1500. Full-frame cameras from Canon and Nikon, as well as mirrorless cameras from Sony and Fujifilm, are among the preferred options of professional photographers...